In Senegal, the Institut Pasteur in Dakar notes a strong circulation of variants of Covid-19. Four have been identified among departing travelers in April and May. The alpha variant (known as “British”) had already been discovered in the territory. From now on, Delta (known as “Indian”), Beta (known as “South African”) and Nigerian variants are also circulating. The health service is asking for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign, which is ongoing.
as reported from Dakar, Charlotte idrac
Political and sporting gatherings, demonstrations, concerts for the music festival are often without masks or distancing. The health authorities note a serious relaxation in the barrier gestures. According to the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, however, three new variants are worrying. In April and May, 275 tested positive samples were analyzed from travelers leaving the territory.
59% of the variants in circulation
In almost 59% of the cases, they were variants, the vast majority being Nigerian and British. Two cases of the Delta variant, which were considered to be particularly contagious, have also been identified. Should we fear an increase in cases? “Currently we have seen a decrease, but in recent days we see that we have a small increase,” describes Dr. Ousmane Faye, head of the department of virology at the Pasteur Institute. Through the variants that have been circulating, epidemiologists have begun investigations to find out if there really would be more transmission. In any case, it is pressing to repeat this message: we must respect the measures and the vaccination. “
To date, only almost 500,000 people have been vaccinated in Senegal. With the new reception of new doses, the health authorities hope to breathe new life into the countryside. And the country aims to begin production of antiquated vaccines during the first quarter of 2022.
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